Abhijit Pohankar Pioneers 'Bollywood Gharana' to Merge Classical and Film Music Traditions
In the intricate world of Indian music, few artistes dare to navigate the challenging intersection where Hindustani classical traditions converge with Western influences and the vibrant melodies of Hindi cinema. Keyboardist Abhijit Pohankar has not only embraced this niche but has dedicated over three decades to mastering it, carving out a distinctive musical identity that defies conventional boundaries.
A Musical Legacy and Innovative Vision
As the son of renowned classical vocalist Pandit Ajay Pohankar, Abhijit possesses a deep-rooted foundation in Hindustani music, yet he has chosen to express it through modern instruments like the digital piano and keyboard. His recent concert in Ahmedabad showcased his pioneering concept of 'Bollywood Gharana', a creative endeavor aimed at weaving the richness of classical ragas with some of Indian cinema's most iconic songs.
"I've had a career spanning over 30 years, and my relationship with Ahmedabad goes back a long way. The audience here loves music. I've played in the city multiple times. For my new concert, I play keyboard and piano and have composed the entire setlist," Abhijit shared, highlighting his personal connection to the city and the meticulous effort behind his performances.
Drawing Inspiration from Retro Composers
Reflecting on the evolution of fusion music in India, Abhijit noted that the early 2000s marked the nascent stages of this movement, particularly in vocal spaces. "I used my father's voice and came up with 'Piya Bawari'. After that, I started experimenting, which ultimately led me to the concept of jugalbandi of Hindi film music with Hindustani traditions," he explained.
He draws significant inspiration from retro compositions, emphasizing that many old songs were firmly rooted in ragas. "I am very inspired by retro songs of composers like SD Burman, RD Burman, and Bappi Lahiri," Abhijit added, underscoring how these influences shape his innovative approach to blending genres.
Bridging Audiences Through Engaging Performances
One of the core challenges Abhijit addresses is the divide between classical music aficionados and Bollywood enthusiasts. "In India, classical music listeners often do not attend Bollywood concerts. At the same time, film music lovers sometimes find classical music inaccessible," he observed.
His mission is to present classical music in an engaging and entertaining manner that appeals to younger generations, while ensuring that traditional listeners still find depth and satisfaction in his performances. "My endeavour has been to present classical music in an engaging and entertaining manner for younger audiences, while ensuring that traditional listeners also find depth and satisfaction in our performances," Abhijit elaborated.
Versatility and Collaborations
Abhijit's versatility extends beyond fusion; he works on devotional songs and collaborates with artistes to revive original classical Indian compositions, such as those by Amir Khusro. "I think of myself as a versatile artiste. I like a wide range of genres, and I believe I can do justice to the genres of music I touch," he stated, showcasing his broad artistic range.
Early in his career, he collaborated with legends like Hariharan and Ghulam Ali, but he expressed regret over missed opportunities. "Frankly, from the real ustads I knew, only a few are left. In the last five years, many greats of Indian music have passed away. I always wanted to work with Ustad Rashid Khan sahab but woh nahi ho paya. Bahot hi kamal ke artiste thay!" he lamented.
Looking to the future, Abhijit expressed a desire to collaborate with contemporary talents. "At present, there are several young and talented musicians. I really wish to work with Arijit Singh. If he sings a classical composition, he would do it really beautifully. He has that 'classical touch'," he remarked.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Abhijit believes that young and upcoming musicians and composers are exceptionally sharp, but he emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in classical music for those venturing into fusion. "If you are attempting to create new music or do a fusion of classical and a new genre, you really need to have a lot of knowledge about it. Aspiring artistes should listen to a lot of classical music, learn it in depth even if they are not trained in it, and only then they should experiment with it," he advised, stressing the need for thorough understanding before innovation.
Through his 'Bollywood Gharana' concept and dedicated performances, Abhijit Pohankar continues to push the boundaries of Indian music, fostering a shared platform where diverse audiences can appreciate the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
